Unfortunately, I must start off this column on a sad note. The month of January saw the passing of two long time members. Noble James (Jimmy) Bell of Lynn, MA, and Past Commander Daniel Schuldman of Framingham, MA.

Those of you who live on the North shore and frequented the mall in Peabody, in recent years, might remember Jimmy as the smiling face at the courtesy booth, where he held court several times a week, following his retirement.

Dan was Commander of our unit twice, and was also a charter member. I may be wrong but, I believe also the last of that group. He had been wearing many hats for us in recent months.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their respective families.

Turning now to the brighter side of our news. Among the recent winners of the coveted Wilson Medals was my cohort and fellow scribe Lt. Tom Carroll of the Provost Guard. Tom has been quietly, for him, spending many years and thousands of miles, driving our out-patient kids to their appointments both in Boston and Springfield. Lots of many early A.M. and late P.M. hours. He is one of those guys who they refer to as “flying under the radar,” although as a Navy veteran, I guess it should be “sailing under the sonar” A job well done Tom.

I can’t let an issue go by without taking a few shots at my favorite targets I.E. the TV media. They are still telling you everything is “free” still showing those familiar faces who say “Hi my name is —–” still giving the morning news casts like they are at a Tupperware party. Now the latest kick is going ga-ga over a pair of mittens that were worn to the Presidential Inauguration. Let me stop there before I get carried away.

I have had requests (one) to tell a baseball anecdote, so here goes.

The great Ted Williams had a reputation for being nasty and as a result he often used an alias when away from baseball. One time on a fishing jaunt to Ft. Meyers, FL, he signed the motel register G.C. Luther. The clerk looked at the register and said “Gee for a minute, I thought were Ted Williams.” Williams said “Ya a lot of people say that. I think Williams is actually a much older man” After chatting for a while about fishing spots, places to eat, etc, the clerk said “I have to admit I had my doubts when you signed in Mr Luther, I really thought you were Ted Williams. But I can see you’re not. You’ve got a much nicer disposition” We will have more next time.

Finally guys remember a group of jellyfish is called a Smuck and a leech has 32 brains, especially if he’s your Brother-in Law!!

Oh, by the way, Hi Bob!
Till next time